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August 17, 2009
Superintendent’s Message
Dear Staff,
It was wonderful to see you at the “opening ceremony” for the 2009-2010 school year held at the Arizona Grand Resort. When we all come together in one place, the energy and excitement generated is unbelievable.
Even though we are a huge organization, we think of ourselves as the “Kyrene family” and like to stay connected with each other as much as we can. This is one of the unique qualities of Kyrene, and something I have come to learn about and grown to love during my 14 years of employment here.
It was so fitting that Kyrene’s own Arizona Teacher of the Year and national finalist for the National Education Association Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence (recently announced), Sarah Baird, had the opportunity to share her story. Sarah’s passion and commitment to the students and staff members she works with is well known and greatly respected by all of her colleagues. Her personal stories and insights inspire all of us to do whatever it takes to ensure all students will receive the best education we can possibly provide. It is important to remember that as individuals with varying roles and responsibilities within the organization, we all contribute to the mission of the district.
Mr. Robb’s message about having a clear purpose, being engaged in the work and staying passionate about what we do was a good reminder about keeping our focus in the right place. In Good to Great by Jim Collins, the truly stellar organizations are clearly focused on a common purpose and do not allow distractions to get in the way. We have had a tremendously positive beginning to the new school year. Let’s make it the best one ever!
David
Thank you Arizona Grand
Thank you again to The Arizona Grand Resort. Through their generosity we were able to kick off the 2009-2010 school year together. (They also provided “Welcome Back” posters for the front door of each of our schools.)
If you didn’t get a “passion” bookmark, or a 20% off Grand Passport card, our Director of First Impressions, Cyndie French does have some at the Front Desk of the Furlong Center.
H1N1 (Swine Flu) Update
On Tuesday, August 18th, all students will receive a letter about H1N1. We are following the advice of the Maricopa County Health Department and encouraging excellent hygiene habits along with a request to keep sick children at home. Dr. Schauer send the letter on Friday attached to his weekly bulletin. Please take the time to this letter as the preventative strategies listed are important for all of us.
Sarah Baird one of Five Winners of NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence
Great news for Sarah and Kyrene!!!!
Arizona’s Teacher of the year, KEA member, Sarah Baird, is one of five recipients of the Horace Mann Award for Teaching Excellence. This makes her a finalist for the NEA Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence. That award will be presented at the NEA Foundation’s Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Gala held in Washington D.C., February 12, 2010. This is a great celebration for all Arizona teachers. Congratulations to Sarah for representing us so well.
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